The Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona is a unique historic site where Roman, medieval, and modern layers of the city’s Jewish heritage intersect. Located in the heart of the former Jewish Quarter (El Call), the building reflects centuries of transformation, from its earliest architectural traces in the Roman period to its major establishment as a synagogue in the 13th century and its later adaptations over time.

Today, it serves both as an archaeological space and a cultural center, preserving important artifacts, architectural remains, and ritual objects that illustrate the continuity and diversity of Jewish life in Barcelona.

 The Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona contains architectural and archaeological elements spanning several historical periods. Its foundations and walls include remains dating to the 3rd century from the Roman era, while the building was significantly renovated and expanded in the 13th century, when it functioned as a major synagogue. The Archaeological Room preserves the original floor level, located about two meters below today’s street level, illustrating the gradual rise of the city over time.

Among its key features is a section of Barcelona’s Roman wall dating to the 3rd to 4th century, built using the opus africanum technique, characterized by large vertical stone blocks (pillars) alternating with horizontal blocks. One stone bears the Roman numeral XIIX (18), which corresponds to the Hebrew word Chai, life, a detail some researchers interpret as suggesting earlier religious significance at the site.

Other significant objects include a seven branched Menorah created by Chueta artist Ferran Aguiló, representing the enduring heritage of Mallorca’s crypto-Jewish community. The Chuetas descended from part of medieval Jewish population whose ancestors were forcibly converted to Christianity and, only in some cases, continued practicing Judaism in secret. Also included is Miguel Iaffa’s personal Judaica collection, featuring Hanukkah lamps, Mezuzot, Torah pointers gathered across Europe and Israel.

A stained-glass window by Máximo Iaffa depicts the Twelve Tribes of Israel and symbolizes renewal through the joining of broken glass.

The collection also includes a 17th-century Torah scroll discovered in Morocco and donated by the Oller family; although incomplete, it is no longer considered kosher for liturgical use, as well as a Torah from XVI century.

 Alex Neish Collection

Alex Neish, a Scottish collector based in Barcelona, followed the restoration of the Ancient Synagogue of Barcelona from its early stages. As a leading collector of pewter artifacts, he assembled an extensive collection of Judaica over more than three decades, focused on Jewish ritual life, traditions, and faith.

Many of the objects were identified and documented with the help of Swiss expert Jan Gadd. Today, the collection is permanently displayed in the synagogue as part of its exhibition on Jewish heritage and history.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah Ceremony

The Ancient Synagogue of........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)